Don and Charlene Willis of Smyrna have never been the type to spend an afternoon poking around an art museum, but now they wouldnāt think of missing their monthly visits to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
They are regular participants in "Musing Together," an art tour designed for those in early stage Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Care partners are also invited to the free program, which is a partnership of theĀ High Museum and theĀ Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter.
āWe both thoroughly enjoy it,ā said Charlene. Don, who was diagnosed with Alzheimerās in 2014, āloves it,ā she added.
The tours are led by art educator Amanda Williams, who selects a theme, then leads the group through various galleries to view and talk about specific works of art related to that theme. She creates a safe space for them to express their opinions, ask questions, and just interact and make friends. For caregivers, itās an opportunity to get out of their set routines.
āWe just want them to come and enjoy themselves,ā Williams said.
Thereās a lot of laughter, and a lot of learning, too.
The program, which started in March, is offered the first Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Both non-profits are still trying to figure out what works and tweak what doesnāt. Museum staffers were trained by the Alzheimerās Association on how to respond appropriately to visitors with dementia. The group is kept small, no more than 20 at a time, and they donāt go into galleries that are overstimulating. A staff member from the Alzheimerās Association is also present throughout the program to assist if needed.
Art has multiple benefits for the brain, providing good cognitive stimulation in different areas, said Kara Johnson, an Atlanta Alzheimerās Association care consultant. But the program is more than an art history lesson. Itās an opportunity to build friendships with others going through the same journey. Participants are encouraged to engage in conversations about the artwork, as well as share their life stories.
āA lot of people feel very isolated when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimerās. They often self-isolate because theyāre afraid of making a mistake. This is a safe way for people to be part of the community,ā Johnson said.
Williams said she has seen group members get very comfortable with one another, developing a level of safety and non-judgment. There are no wrong answers in their discussions. āThey enjoy one anotherās company,ā she said.
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To join the group, participants must go through the Alzheimerās Association, Georgia Chapter, and be evaluated for early stage dementia. Johnson said it is important to put people together who are in the same stage of the progressive disease so they can form friendships and have opportunities to socialize.
āWe want them to all be going through the same stages together,ā Johnson said. āThis way, care partners meet other care partners. A lot of them meet before the program and go out to lunch together.ā
The Willises already know the other regulars who attend āMusing Togetherā through other support programs and groups for early stage Alzheimerās. Charlene said the camaraderie has made a positive difference in their lives.
āWe have a community of friends who are also going through the same journey, and we enjoy being with one another,ā she said.
The state Alzheimerās Association sponsors walking programs and lunch social groups, among other activities for those in the early stages of the disease. The non-profit organization encourages early diagnosis because treatments are more effective in the early stages and could help delay the onset of symptoms, Johnson said.
MUSING TOGETHER
Free art program at the High Museum of Art for people in the early stages of Alzheimerās disease or other dementias, and their care partners. Participants are encouraged to discover themselves and one another through conversations about artwork in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Prior knowledge about art or the history of art is not necessary.
⢠The program is a partnership between the High Museum of Art and the Alzheimerās Association, Georgia Chapter. Participants must be evaluated by the Alzheimerās Association for early stage dementia.
⢠Meets the first Wednesday of every month, 1-2:30 p.m., in the museumās galleries, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta.
⢠To register, or for more information, contact the Alzheimerās Association, Georgia Chapter at 800-272-3900.
Source: Alzheimerās Association, Georgia Chapter
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